RaceNature Castelo de Vide 2026: programme, routes and guide
RaceNature Castelo de Vide runs from 16 to 18 October 2026, with a prologue and two MTB stages navigated exclusively by GPS.
The essentials
Race office opens at 15:00 on Friday, 16 October, in Parque João José da Luz. The main programme lists the prologue from 19:00 to 20:30, but the event regulations give an 18:30 start; confirm the final time directly with the organiser. Saturday and Sunday stages start from the same park at 09:00. Published distances are 2 km with 90 m D+ for the prologue, 71.5 km with 1,990 m D+ for stage 1, and 60.2 km with 1,050 m D+ for stage 2. A Race Nature Kids activity is also announced for Saturday, 17 October, at 16:30 in Parque João José da Luz; ages, registration, equipment and activity format are being updated.
How RaceNature Castelo de Vide works
The third edition uses GPS-only navigation, with no course markings on the ground. Each rider, competing solo or as a pair, must independently follow the compulsory route supplied by the organiser.
The organiser describes demanding climbs, technical descents and rural tracks. Published figures are 2 km with 90 m D+ for the prologue, 71.5 km with 1,990 m D+ for stage 1, and 60.2 km with 1,050 m D+ for stage 2.
- Prologue: Friday, 2 km and 90 m D+.
- Stage 1: Saturday, 71.5 km and 1,990 m D+.
- Stage 2: Sunday, 60.2 km and 1,050 m D+.
Programme and places to follow the race
Parque João José da Luz hosts race office, the prologue, both stage starts, the announced lunches and the podium ceremony. For companions, it is the clearest reference point published by the organiser.
No designated spectator areas along the courses have been published. Do not enter reserved tracks or choose a remote viewpoint without confirming access; use organiser updates for any restrictions.
On Saturday, 17 October, at 16:30, the municipality has announced Race Nature Kids in Parque João José da Luz, an activity for younger children. Eligible ages, whether registration is required, necessary equipment and the activity format are being updated; confirm these details before bringing a child.
- Friday: race office 15:00–19:00. The main programme lists the prologue as 19:00–20:30, while the regulations give an 18:30 start; confirm the final time.
- Saturday: start boxes open at 08:00, stage 1 starts at 09:00, lunch begins at 12:30 and Race Nature Kids takes place at 16:30 in Parque João José da Luz.
- Sunday: start boxes open at 08:00, stage 2 starts at 09:00, lunch at 12:30 and podium ceremony at 14:00.
Turn RaceNature into a weekend in Castelo de Vide
Anyone accompanying a rider can use quieter periods to visit Fonte da Vila, the Jewish Quarter, the former Synagogue, the castle and the historic streets. Much of this can be explored on foot.
Casa da Rua Nova is in the Jewish Quarter, so guests can return to their accommodation without relying on the car for the historic centre. For a race weekend, confirm specific needs such as bike storage, breakfast timing or early-start logistics directly with the accommodation.
What to confirm before travelling
The official sources disagree on the prologue time: the main programme lists 19:00–20:30, while the event regulations give an 18:30 start. Riders and companions should confirm the final time directly with the organiser before travelling.
The published programme places the event hub in Parque João José da Luz and showers at the indoor municipal pool. It does not publish a special parking or road-closure plan, or official spectator points along the stages.
Frequently asked questions
When and where does RaceNature 2026 start?
Race office opens at 15:00 on Friday, 16 October, in Parque João José da Luz. The main programme lists the prologue at 19:00, but the regulations give an 18:30 start; confirm the final time with the organiser. Saturday and Sunday stages start from the same park at 09:00.
What are the distances and elevation gains?
The prologue is 2 km with 90 m D+, stage 1 is 71.5 km with 1,990 m D+, and stage 2 is 60.2 km with 1,050 m D+.
Is the route marked on the ground?
No. The organiser specifies GPS-only navigation with no course markings, for riders competing solo or in pairs.
Can I follow RaceNature without competing?
Parque João José da Luz is the published location for the prologue, starts and podium. Spectator areas on the courses are not listed, so confirm access with the organiser.
When and where is Race Nature Kids?
The activity is announced for Saturday, 17 October, at 16:30 in Parque João José da Luz. Ages, registration, equipment and format are being updated; confirm the details before taking part.
Stay in central Castelo de Vide for RaceNature
Use the Jewish Quarter as a base for the race weekend and explore the historic centre on foot between stages.
Apartments for your stay
